Crucial equipment in trade and the food industry, refrigerated showcases have many functions. In addition to presenting products to customers, they allow products to be presented and stored at the appropriate temperature. Sandwiches, pastry shops, grocery stores, bakeries, ice cream shops or even caterers, many professionals are faced with the choice of this equipment. Nevertheless, the models of refrigerated display cases are multiple.
So how do you choose the right refrigerated display cases for your business? And how do you maintain them? All the answers in this article.
Refrigerated display cases play a crucial role in many food sectors, especially in grocery stores, butchers, pastry shops, restaurants and coffee shops. There are various models of refrigerated display cases adapted to different products. Here are the main types of refrigerated display cases and tips for choosing the one that best fits your business needs:
These tall, narrow display cases are ideal for displaying drinks, dairy products, and packaged goods.
Specially designed to attractively display ice cream flavors, this display case contains several compartments to facilitate the installation and maintenance of ice cream at the right temperature.
Ideal for presenting pastries on multiple levels, some models offer panoramic views and a cooling system that maintains freshness without drying out the products.
Smaller, these windows are placed on a counter or table, often near the cash register, to encourage the impulse purchase of delicacies such as sandwiches or cupcakes.
Versatile, the horizontal display case adapts to various catering trades and shares the characteristics of other models.
Placed at eye level, a refrigerated counter display case is specially designed for ready-to-eat products.
These cabinets combine temperature-controlled storage and aesthetic presentation of products.
Knowing the different types of refrigerated display cases to choose from is one thing. However, other factors must also be taken into account in the final choice.
For any refrigeration equipment, an efficient cooling system is crucial to maintaining the cold chain and prevent the deterioration of preserved products. There are two main types of cooling: static and ventilated.
In static cooling, the air circulates naturally inside the display case thanks to the evaporator. However, this creates temperature variations.
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In contrast, ventilated cooling uses a fan to distribute air evenly, ensuring a constant temperature.
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If you want better visibility as well as a uniform temperature in your window, opt for a ventilated cooling system.
In addition to the cooling system, the choice of engine is also crucial. In addition, it depends on the layout of your space. Two types of engines are considered: integrated and remote.
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Next, it is essential to consider your budget as well as the prices of the different types of refrigerated display cases. In fact, the price varies according to several criteria:
The cost also depends on the type of products to be displayed, with prices ranging from 500 to 7000€ for classic windows, and from 200 to 4000€ for pastries or 600 to 15,000€ for ice cream.
Finally, other technical criteria may also weigh in.
If you own or are considering buying refrigerated display cases, it is important to know the best maintenance practices for these refrigeration units. It is advisable to clean the window at least once a week to maintain good hygiene.
The outer part of your professional refrigerated display case requires daily cleaning.
Use a sponge and water with soap or a mild cleanser specially designed for food surfaces. Be gentle when cleaning stainless steel, as it can be easily scratched. This precaution also applies to acrylic and polycarbonate parts, which are frequently used in modern showcases. When it comes to windows, use a specialized cleaner to avoid traces of lime caused by hard water.
The internal cleaning process is similar to the external one: use soapy water with a soft sponge or cloth. A disinfectant that is non-corrosive to stainless steel and safe for preserved foods can be used for thorough cleaning. The recommendations for cleaning internal windows are the same as those for external windows.
The condenser, which turns refrigerant from gas into liquid, is a key component of the refrigeration system. Neglected maintenance can lead to excessive energy consumption or compressor failure. To clean it, remove dust from the fins and the front surface using a brush, a small vacuum cleaner, or a blow gun. Also, be sure to clean the deicing water drains to prevent them from being obstructed.
The evaporator can become covered in ice, increasing energy consumption and risking breakdowns. It is therefore important to defrost it regularly.
When it comes to defrosting, cold ventilated models often include automatic defrosting every 2 hours for about 10 minutes, with an adjustable interval. It is suggested to completely defrost by turning off the cabinet at the end of service and turning it back on the next day.
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The temperature setting for these cold cases depends on the type of refrigeration (positive or negative) and its climate category (for example, 3M1, 3M2).
For Positive cold windows, operating with a ventilated refrigeration system, the temperature range varies between +2 and +12°C, suitable for the preservation of fresh products.
Les negative cold showcases, with a static refrigeration system, have a temperature range from -10 to -22°C, ideal for storing frozen or frozen products.
The climate classification of a display case is based on NF EN 441-1 standards, which take into account ambient temperature and humidity, as well as the type of products to be stored. For example, a 3M2 display case can withstand a maximum ambient temperature of 25°C with a humidity level of 55 to 65%, and a temperature range of +2 to +8°C.
To set the thermostat, press the “SET” button for a few seconds and then use the arrows to adjust the temperature. Obviously, we invite you to consult the user manual for your refrigerated display case for specific instructions.
Positive cold displays are generally preset to +2°C, and negative cold ones to -18°C. However, it is recommended to adjust the temperature according to the products stored.
According to theHANDLES, here are some recommended temperatures:
Refrigerated display cases must comply with European and French standards (NF IN 441) in terms of humidity and the ambient temperature of the space where they are placed. In fact, when the motor is integrated into the display case, it can lead to an increase in the temperature of the room. Thus, it is crucial to take into account the window environment in order to meet these standards. The appropriate choice of window category will therefore depend on the climate of the room and its humidity level.
